Kratos might be heading back to Greece, but fans will have to wait a little longer. The highly rumored God of War spin-off, reportedly a 2.5D Metroidvania-style title set in the Greek era, is now expected to drop in 2026 instead of the originally rumored late 2025 window. Here’s everything we know so far—and why this delay could actually be a good thing.
The Return to Greece: What’s the Spin-Off About?
According to multiple credible leaks, including industry insider Jeff Grubb and community reports on Reddit, Santa Monica Studio is developing a God of War spin-off that dives into Kratos’ Greek roots. But this isn’t another AAA cinematic epic. Instead, think:
- 2.5D Metroidvania style gameplay
- Hand-crafted environments with intricate platforming and exploration
- A story set before Kratos became a god
Imagine a mashup of Blasphemous and Dead Cells but set in the myth-soaked brutality of ancient Greece. One Reddit user even teased, “Better art style than Hades.” That’s a bold claim considering how beloved Supergiant’s art direction is.
The Delay: Why 2026?
Originally, this Greek side-quest was rumored for a late 2025 release. But as per Tech4Gamers and corroborated by Jeff Grubb, the project has hit an internal delay, now targeting sometime in 2026.
Reasons Behind the Delay:
- Scope Expansion: What started as a compact spin-off reportedly grew in ambition. More mechanics, more lore, better visuals.
- Quality Control: Santa Monica Studio has a reputation for polish. Given God of War Ragnarök’s critical acclaim (94 Metacritic score), the bar is sky-high.
- Platform Optimization: Targeting full PS5 potential (and likely PC) requires time for deep optimization, especially for a stylized Metroidvania.
From a dev cycle perspective, this isn’t unusual. Hollow Knight: Silksong, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and even Metroid Dread faced similar slow-burn builds. The Metroidvania genre is deceptively complex, especially when layered with deep narrative and mythological themes.
Why This Spin-Off Is a Big Deal for God of War Fans
This isn’t just filler content between mainline releases. Here’s why this project matters:
1. Greek Mythology Returns
After two Norse sagas, many fans crave the original pantheon again. This is a chance to:
- Explore Kratos’ pre-god days
- Revisit Olympus, Sparta, and underworlds with modern design
2. Genre Experimentation
Sony rarely dips into Metroidvania waters. This project shows:
- Willingness to diversify gameplay styles
- Potential for new types of God of War fans who prefer tight platforming over cinematic bombast
3. Storyworld Expansion
Expect expanded lore, side characters, and possible ties to future mainline entries. Could this hint at another dual-protagonist future like Kratos and Atreus?
When Will We See It Officially?
Still no formal reveal, but the next State of Play, Gamescom 2025, or even The Game Awards 2025 are likely candidates. Sony tends to go big when the project is ready for prime time.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Santa Monica’s job listings and concept artist reveals—early art leaks often come from dev portfolios.
TL;DR Recap
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Genre | 2.5D Metroidvania |
| Setting | Ancient Greece, pre-god Kratos |
| Release | Internally delayed to 2026 |
| Style | Stylized, hand-crafted, possibly painterly |
| Platforms | PS5 (possible PC release later) |
Final Thoughts: A Delay Worth Waiting For
If this spin-off delivers on its promise, it could be a sleeper hit for Sony—a prestige title in a niche genre, with the emotional weight and world-building of God of War. In a post-Hades, post-Dead Cells world, the bar for stylish, mythological action-platformers is high. But with Santa Monica at the helm? The gods might just bless us.
Are you hyped for a Greek revival? Or should Sony stick to the Norse roadmap? Let us know in the comments!
